Liver Transplantation

The Benefits of Nutrition Therapy in the Liver Transplant Patient

Jeanette Hasse

Table 4. Nutritional side effects of immunosuppressive medications and proposed nutrition therapy

Drug Possible Side Effects Proposed Nutrition Therapy
Cyclosporine Hyperlipidemia Limit fat and simple carbohydrate
Hyperglycemia Limit simple carbohydrate
Hypomagnesemia Magnesium supplements
Hyperkalemia Decrease potassium intake
Glucocorticoids Catabolism/impaired wound healing Increase protein intake
Hyperlipidemia Limit fat and simple carbohydrate
Hyperglycemia Limit simple carbohydrate
Sodium retention Reduce sodium intake
Hyperphagia Avoid overeating
Increased calciuria Increase calcium intake or take supplements
Azathioprine Nausea, vomiting, sore throat, anorexia Adjust food/meals as needed, monitor intake
Altered taste acuity Offer variety of foods, flavors
OKT3 Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia Adjust food/meals as needed, monitor intake
Tacrolimus Hyperglycemia Limit simple carbohydrate
Hyperkalemia Decrease potassium intake
Nausea and vomiting Adjust food/meals as needed, monitor intake
Mycophenolate mofetil Diarrhea Replace lost fluid

Adapted from references 13, 14, 54-63.

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